Union County Mediation Lawyer
Mediation in family law cases can offer many advantages over a drawn-out battle in court. Learning about the mediation process and preparing your case in advance could increase your chances of a beneficial mediation outcome.
Although mediation is sometimes less adversarial than a court hearing or trial, it is still a serious legal process. A skilled family law attorney could help you stand up for your rights during mediation and negotiate for your best interest. Speaking with a Union County mediation lawyer may help you understand the process and work for a favorable resolution.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is defined under New Jersey Revised Statutes §2A:23C-2 as a process where an impartial third party helps spouses communicate and negotiate to reach a voluntary agreement. Mediation may help parties resolve their case and avoid the need for a trial.
What is a Mediator?
The mediator is not a judge and does not force anyone to do anything, but rather facilitates conversation leading to compromise.
It is a mediator’s job to act as a neutral party, so they are not typically able to advocate for one side or provide legal advice. However, they might occasionally encourage a party to compromise or reconsider a position. A divorce mediation lawyer in Union County could advise a person about legal rights during mediation.
Agreements in Mediation
Mediation is an option in any family law case and may sometimes be required before the court will allow a trial. If parties are unable to reach an agreement at mediation, they must litigate their case in court.
Agreements reached in mediation could also be legally binding. In a child custody case, parents may develop a parenting plan agreement during mediation that could be adopted by the court. A mediation attorney in Union County might obtain a settlement agreement that serves their client.
How is Mediation Helpful in Family Law Matters?
A person facing a family law dispute may be hesitant to attend mediation or believe that their relationship deteriorated too much. However, there may be advantages to settling even the most contentious case.
Settlement Offers More Flexibility Than Court Orders
A mediated settlement agreement offers many options that a couple is unlikely to have if they take their case to court. Mediation may permit more nuanced or detailed solutions that would be available in court from a judge.
However, a couple drafting their own agreement could include nearly any term so long as it is fair, legal, and in the best interests of the children. Parents and spouses retain control over their own lives and children instead of handing that control to a court. An experienced family mediation attorney could help craft a settlement agreement that represents the family’s best interests.
Other Advantages of Mediation
Mediation and settlement offer many other advantages as well including:
- Lower costs than litigating a case in court
- Reduction in the risk of adverse outcomes in court
- Improve the chances of having an amicable relationship that benefits their child
These advantages make mediation worth considering seriously. However, because mediation agreements can also affect rights to property and children, a person should be sure that they fully understand any settlement.
A Union County Mediation Attorney Could Offer Guidance
Mediation and settlement agreements may offer many advantages in family law cases. Although the mediation process may be less intimidating than a court trial, agreements reached are still binding and have long-lasting consequences.
A Union County mediation lawyer could work to pursue a truly beneficial mediation agreement. Call today to schedule a consultation.
